Augmented reality display having liquid crystal variable focus element and roll-to-roll method and apparatus for forming the same

A display device comprising:

• a waveguide assembly comprising a waveguide configured to output light to display an image;
• and
• an adaptive lens assembly in a same optical path as the waveguide, the adaptive lens assembly comprising:
• a switchable waveplate assembly comprising:
• a first substrate and a second substrate defining a volume therebetween, wherein the first substrate is a first quarter-wave plate and the second substrate is a second quarter-wave plate, and wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are composed of a non-liquid crystal material that is optically transmissive and pliable;
• a liquid crystal layer disposed within the volume;
• a first set of guides for aligning liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer, the first set of guides comprising a first electrode pattern disposed in the volume and directly on the first substrate;
• and
• a second set of guides for aligning the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer, the second set of guides comprising a second electrode pattern disposed in the volume and directly on the second substrate;
• wherein the first electrode pattern and the second electrode pattern extend into the liquid crystal layer and are configured to selectively apply an electric field for selectively changing orientations of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer.